Bedard had another standout game against Colorado on Tuesday. But the NHL's leading rookie scorer's 2 minute 14 second shift late in the second period was over the top.
Chicago's Connor Bedard, the NHL's leading rookie scorer and top draft pick of 2023, is living up to predictions of being a unique "generational talent."
Bedard was great against the Avs, just over the top on one shift.But even Bedard faces physical and physiological limitations. "Unless he's Superman," Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson said.
Bedard came through with another standout performance against Colorado on Tuesday. The 18-year-old center recorded two assists and had a visible, skilled, smart hand in all three Chicago goals in the Blackhawks' hard-working 3-2 win over the Avalanche.
But Bedard's 2 minute 14 second shift late in the second period was over the top... and just about the only thing Richardson didn't like.
No, Bedard, who has 12 goals and 16 assists in 31 games, wasn't being a self-centered ice hog. (IceHogs, BTW, is the name of Chicago's AHL affiliate in Rockford). He was trying to help his team take the lead in a game that was tied at 2 at the time.
Bedard has made that heroic approach work before, most previously as a junior superstar with the WHL Regina Pats and for Team Canada in the 2023 World Junior Championship.
But in the NHL, being a top player is different story. The "ringer" factor isn't there in the world's best league. See Richardson in the following video.
The Shift
Bedard jumped on the ice for his mega-shift at 14:18 of the second period, the same time as linemates Ryan Donato and Lukas Reichel. Bedard had crafted goals by both in the first period.
Donato got off the ice at 15:17 and energy forward Reese Johnson jumped on. The 21-year-old Reichel was back at the bench 15:34 and MacKenzie Entwistle took his place.
Like the Energizer Bunny, Bedard kept going. His shift concluded with a break in on Colorado goalie Alexandar Georgiev and a shot off his shoulder.
Bedard almost wobbled off the ice. Not even Superman is immune to lactic acid build-up.
Connor Bedard shift chartBedard finished with six shots on goal (plus one wide of the net) and 21:52 of ice time over 19 shifts. That needs to be sliced into shorter, punchier servings so both Bedard and the Blackhawks can perform more effectively. See more from Richardson in the following video.
Forward Nick Foligno, the Blackhawks de facto captain, led the team with 23:03 of ice time over 24 shifts against Colorado.
The 36-year-old set up Tyler Johnson's game-winning power-play goal in the third. Then Foligno and his experience were called on heavily the down the stretch to help protect a lead the depleted Blackhawks couldn't afford to blow.